26/11/2024
As the Christmas Season is upon us this is just an annual reminder of what you could do as a citizen to help continue the Revitalization Movement in Franklin.
I believe we have one of the most beautiful cities in Louisiana. Lately we have been receiving great spotlight from not only around our State but from well beyond. Yes, we may not have the sprawling landscapes of strip malls, the over construction of big box stores and rows of shops and restaurants lining our streets; however, we truly have much more. We have many energized citizens that have invested into our community and invest as much as they can to keep a thriving energy . These are the businesses and community members that are asked on a repeated basis to buy ads, fund school athletics, sponsor organizations, little league, biddy league teams and so forth. I don’t see Amazon or any other big box stores logos in Caffery Park, Franklin High or Hanson Memorial. So what can you do to not only support and help possibly create more economic development in our area thus creating more community development and quality of life to our City we love. SHOP, EAT, PLAY, FUEL Local FIRST!
SHOP LOCAL FIRST: I am asking before you log into that Prime account OR drive out of town take a trip....browse many of our LOCAL shops in town that have some of the most unique and local gift ideas FIRST. They may become your favorite store plus you get personal service and they gift wrap as well. Simple, fast while keeping much needed tax revenues in Franklin!
EAT LOCAL FIRST: I understand that sometimes you may want something different but again before you drive out of town visit one of our LOCAL restaurants FIRST where you will know just about everyone walking through the doors and even working there. These local owners have invested into helping our City become the best it can by serving most of the time what you will order out of town anyway but with less traffic!
PLAY LOCAL FIRST: We have had many events happening more frequently. Yes, we may not have a movie theatre but I would put our Performing Arts theatre up against some of the best live performances you can see anywhere. Our Festival’s -- Bayou Teche Bear Festival, Wooden Boat Show, Harvest Moon Festival, Soul Food Festival, Sugar Cane Expo, Hott Rodd Fest as well as the monthly Bayou to Main Marketplace are growing and I feel will become bigger and bigger with more volunteer power and support. Utilize our majestic Bayou Teche for boating, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, canoeing, etc. We have many upcoming events here in Franklin to celebrate the Holidays so before you drive out of town see what event may be happening in Franklin FIRST.
FUEL LOCAL FIRST: If you find yourself leaving town to do any of the above then I ask that you simply fill up your vehicle before you leave town. Not only will it help with the cost of fuel at least some of your hard earned dollars can stay in our city as opposed to helping the larger cities grow even bigger and get more stuff to make you want to drive when in the future we can have it here HOMEGROWN!
Our city has some infrastructure issues that we are steadfastly addressing but we didn’t get here overnight and we won’t solve our City’s problems overnight. But by simply supporting LOCAL shops, restaurants and gas stations we can continue to energize the local economy that can help in replacing the 100 year old water distribution lines. We can continue the Revitalization Movement throughout our entire community simply by supporting shops and restaurants in Franklin which has funded upgrades our park equipment, a/c units in both community centers, upgrade water valves and hydrants throughout the city, upgrades at the water plant, rehab of Cayce Street, flooding mitigation with the Yokley Drainage Project, upgrading police and fire units, upcoming sidewalks rehab, etc.
I BELIEVE in Franklin! I believe in our potential and together we can make that dream a reality 1 cent spent LOCALLY at a time. Our Civic Pride is at an all time high and people not only notice a difference but can feel that difference when they visit our beautiful City. I cannot tell you the number of people that approach me and say "Franklin really has it going on" or "Yall are doing a great job". It takes an entire community for that. It takes the tireless work of all City employees together with the work of many volunteers picking up litter, cleaning sidewalks, sprucing up neighborhoods, painting houses, pulling weeds, creating events, investing in local business, supporting local schools, attending events, etc. TOGETHER we have no limits on what we can obtain! Let's have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas Season !
